"Croagh Patrick is a physically demanding mountain. Pilgrims should bring with them a set of warm, waterproof clothing, water and a walking stick or staff,” advises the Tuam Archdiocese.

The lessons we learn on this mountain need to be rooted in our everyday routine: great and unselfish teamwork when the person who finds the going tough is granted a helping hand; when the one who stumbles and falls is set on their feet again; when the climber who is confused is welcomed back.

Retired Westport parish priest, Fr Tony King, has called for the annual Reek Sunday climb to be suspended for three years in order to conserve the sacred mountain.